Madison Albaugh

Program: M.S. in Geology

Office: Physical Sciences 238 (Flourite Pod)

madisonalbaugh@isu.edu

Caden Anderson

Program: M.S. in Geology

Office: Physical Sciences 207E (Halite Pod)

cadenanderson@isu.edu

Brent Bowler

Program: M.S. in Geology

Office: Physical Sciences 238 (Flourite Pod)

brentbowler@isu.edu

Ashley Butterworth

Program: M.S. in Geology

Office: Physical Sciences 207B (Halite Pod)

ashleybutterworth@isu.edu

I am a M.S. in Geology student in Dr. Delparte’s Lab, focusing on landslide hazards, LiDAR data, susceptibility modeling, and Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS). In response to a 500-year flood event at Yellowstone National Park, my thesis research develops both a UAS-based landslide monitoring workflow for vulnerable infrastructure and a landslide susceptibility model. This project is in collaboration with the National Park Service and other partners. 

I earned my B.S. in Geology with a concentration in Environmental Engineering and a minor in Geography from James Madison University in 2024. There, I completed an undergraduate thesis on UAS and LiDAR applications to coastal cliff retreat.

In my free time, I enjoy hiking, camping, caving, and kayaking in alpine lakes with my cat.

David Cavell

Program: M.S. in Geology

Office: Physical Science 207B (Halite Pod)

davidcavell@isu.edu

I am a M.S. Geology student working with Dr. Shannon Kobs Nawotniak studying volcanism in southern Idaho, USA.

My thesis project is specifically looking at the geochemistry and petrology of a specific volcano in the eastern Snake River Plain, the volcano is Sixmile Butte. This study came from observations made by Dr. Kobs Nawotniak, Dr. Murray, and Dr. McCurry of inconsistent concentrations of olivine and plagioclase minerals in Sixmile Butte's flows. My project is performing target research into Sixmile through mapping of surface flows, field and lab determined mineral concentrations and physical characteristics, whole rock and trace element geochemistry, and magma chamber modeling.

I earned my B.S. Geology from the University of Idaho where I worked under Dr. Erika Rader learning volcanological processes. I had the opportunity to work on a project looking at the physical characteristics of the 2018 Kilauea eruption, Hawaii compared to ancient volcanoes in the continental United States.

David Cavell CV 08092024

Caden Anderson

Program: M.S. in Geology

Office: Physical Sciences 238 (Flourite Pod)

cadenanderson@isu.edu

Daliedmarie Delgado Maisonet

Program: M.S. in Geology

Office: Physical Sciences 227 (Galena Pod)

daliedmariedelgad@isu.edu

Zachary Ellia

Program: M.S. in Geology

Office: Physical Sciences 207D (Halite Pod)

zacharyellia@isu.edu

Christopher Forsgren

Program: Ph.D. in Geosciences

forschr2@isu.edu

Lloyd Michael Griffel

Program: Ph.D. in Geosciences

griflloy@isu.edu

Rebecca Guarino

Program: M.S. in GIS and M.S. in Anthropology

rebeccaguarino@isu.edu

Ethan Harrow

Program: M.S. in Geology (Management concentration)

Office: Physical Sciences 227 (Galena Pod)

ethanharrow@isu.edu

I am a M.S. in Geology student in the Management Concentration at Idaho State University. While my graduate program emphasizes the management side of the geosciences, my background includes undergraduate research at Utah State University focused on stratigraphy, particularly using chemostratigraphic methods. I am broadly interested in environmental geology and the ways geologic knowledge can be applied to real-world environmental and land management challenges.

I earned my B.S. in Geology from Utah State University, where I conducted stratigraphic research using chemostratigraphy as a tool to interpret geologic history.

Outside of academics, I enjoy spending time outdoors through hiking, camping, and fly fishing, as well as exploring new places in the mountains and backcountry.

Alia Hitchcock

Program: M.S. in Geology

Office: Physical Sciences 238 (Flourite Pod)

aliahitchcock@isu.edu

David R. Johnson

Program: M.S. in Geology

Office: Physical Sciences 207D (Halite Pod)

davidjohnson8@isu.edu

Jennings Leavell

Program: M.S. in Geology

Office: Physical Sciences 238 (Flourite Pod) or Gale 408

jenningsleavell@isu.edu

I am a MS in Geology student in Dr. Lohse’s Lab, and an aspiring biogeochemist and watershed scientist. I intend to pursue a PhD next on the path to a career as a professor or researcher. 

My MS thesis research focus at ISU is phosphorus' biogeochemical response to a prescribed burn in an intermittent stream system. This project was developed and implemented in conjunction with other students, collaborators, and the NSF RII Track 2 AIMS project. I am also broadly interested in nutrient biogeochemistry, chemical fate, intermittent stream hydrology, and scientific outreach to primary and secondary students and educators.

I earned my BA in Chemistry and minor in Philosophy from Bowdoin College (2018). Between academic programs, I was an intern for the Mote Marine ecotoxicology research lab, an analyst for an environmental analytical lab in Salt Lake City, and held various service industry jobs. See my CV for more details.

Outside of work, I am an avid music-enjoyer and outdoors person. I love climbing, skiing, running, and camping in the mountains of southeast Idaho and throughout the Mountain West, usually with my dog, Sage, in tow.

CV: Leavell CV 20250106

Jack Mason

Program: M.S. in Geology and Graduate GIS Certificate

Office: Physical Sciences 207A (Halite Pod)

jackmason@isu.edu

Brooks Myers

Program: Ph.D. in Geosciences

Office: Physical Sciences 208 (in Digital Mapping Laboratory)

brooksmyers@isu.edu

Ryan Nielsen

Program: M.S. in Geology

Office: Physical Sciences 227 (Galena Pod)

ryannielsen@isu.edu

Tess Oldroyd-Johnson

Program: Ph.D. in Geology

Office: Physical Sciences 207E (Halite Pod)

tessjohnson@isu.edu

I am a PhD researcher in Dr. Shannon Kobs Nawotniak’s lab at Idaho State University, with research interests in volcanology, igneous petrology, and planetary analog studies. I hope to pursue a career as a professor where I can combine research, teaching, mentoring students, and sharing my passion and excitement for geology with others.

My current research focuses on volcanic deposits at Mud Lake, Idaho, where I use spectroscopy and other analytical tools to investigate water-lava interactions and their implications for planetary science. I am also interested in shallow igneous intrusions, basaltic lava flows, and the volcanic/plutonic connection. I love getting out into the field, collecting data for my projects, going on and leading field trips, and experiencing the geology of our planet.

I earned my BS in Geology and a secondary education teaching license in Earth and Space Science Education from Southern Utah University in 2021. I completed my MS in Geology at East Carolina University in 2024, where my thesis research examined the magma plumbing system of the Copper Ridge Laccolith in the Henry Mountains, Utah. While at ECU, I also earned a graduate certificate in Community College Instruction, further preparing me to teach and mentor students at multiple educational levels.

In my free time, I enjoy hiking, camping, backpacking, and exploring new places with my husband and our super cute dog, Scout.

Kyle Paulekas

Program: Ph.D. in Geosciences

Office: Physical Sciences 207A (Halite Pod)

kylepaulekas@isu.edu

Emma Pearson

Program: M.S. in Geographic Information Science

Office: Physical Sciences 208 (Digital Mapping Laboratory)

208-282-3137

emmapearson@isu.edu

I am an M.S. in Geographic Information Science student in Dr. Delparte's lab, interested in UAS applications aiding with ecological restoration and environmental conservation. I earned my B.S. in Earth and Environmental Systems with a concentration in Geospatial Systems from Idaho State University earlier this year (2025) and am excited to continue with my education in the Geosciences Department and to start my thesis research. I am originally from Yorktown, Virginia. In my free time, I enjoy hiking, traveling, and reading while cuddling with my cat Gregory.

Mark Romero

Program: M.S. in Geology

Office: Physical Sciences 227 (Galena Pod)

markromero@isu.edu

Nicole Rowse

Program: M.S. in Geology

Office: Physical Sciences 207B (Halite Pod)

nicolerowse@isu.edu

Anthon Schmutz

Program: MS GIS - Professional

Office: Physical Sciences 238 (Flourite Pod)

schmanth@isu.edu

What drives me in terms of enjoying GIS are the problem-solving, exploration, and creative aspects of it. I have enjoyed helping people with GIS-related needs through internship and school experience. I also enjoy going out and discovering new things, including by working with maps and GPS devices. My interests in GIS are primarily in city workings (such as utilities) as I like to understand how different features work together to accomplish specific purposes. However, I also do enjoy learning about some geologic topics such as lakes and vegetation. 

I graduated with my Bachelor's in GIS from the University of Utah in 2025. By the end of my experience in ISU and beyond, I want to best help communities and/or individuals find answers to their GIS problems in the future by refining and adding to my current skillset, tailoring results to their needs, and delivering with excellence. 

Outside of the school setting, my hobbies include video games, geocaching, puzzles, reading, and hiking.

Brittany Slane

Program: MS GIS - Professional

Office: Physical Sciences 227 (Galena Pod)

slanbrit@isu.edu

Anna Sniadach

Program: M.S. in Geology

Office: Physical Sciences 227 (Galena Pod)

annasniadach@isu.edu

I am a hydrologist with a passion for groundwater! In the future I want to continue working in the field of hydrology as it is so interdisciplinary, I am always learning something new. I work in the Godsey lab. My project focuses on water quality and quantity of natural springs in the Gibson Jack watershed.

I graduated from University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee with a B.S. in Geosciences. In undergraduate, I worked on the Root River Project investigating mass discharge of salt during rain events in Racine, WI. Before I started my masters, I worked as a post-bacc on the Aquatic Intermittency effects on Microbiomes in Streams (AIMS) project in the Mountain West region here at ISU. I have done extensive field work in both undergraduate and graduate school. Double digit mileage for a day trip is common for me.

In my spare time you can find me on the water fly-fishing or in the mountains hiking. Sometimes I even do both! I'm an avid rock-climber, and skier. I also consider myself a coffee and restaurant connoisseur, I know the best spots in town.

Heather Studley

Program: M.S. in Geology (Management concentration)

studheat@isu.edu

I am an MS in Geology Management Concentration, not associated with a specific lab as I am a part-time student. I am also the GIS Manager of Bannock County, and have been working in the GIS field for 10 years. As such I am excited to see how integrating science and business classes goes, and better my education and experience in both.

I got my BS in Ecology in 2004 and my GIS certificate in 2009, both from ISU. I also got my GISP in 2022.

I'm a very boring person on the outside. I like to draw, I like to play video games, and travel when I'm able.

Mary Wolf

Program: Post-Baccalaureate Geotechnology Certificate

Office: Physical Sciences 238 (Flourite Pod)

marywolf@isu.edu

I’m interested in learning about the myriad applications of Geotechnology, particularly in its application to cropping systems. Additionally, I plan to build on my earth science knowledge while at ISU, which will broaden the future work opportunities available to me.

I earned a M.S. in Soil Science from Washington State University, with an emphasis on soil fertility and soil-plant interactions. I am entering ISU after 20 years working for the USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service. My most recent position was Agronomist at the Plant Materials Center in Aberdeen, ID. I have also worked as a Soil Conservationist, helping Idaho farmers develop conservation plans for their fields.

In my personal time, my favorite thing is to be out on the land looking at rocks and plants, increasing my understanding of natural and human history.